Fire, Smoke & Soot

Request a Free Wildfire/Smoke Claim Consultation

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​Did your Insurance Company "Remediate"?
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Ensuring your Home’s Safety After the Wildfires
January 2025 Palisades and Eaton wildfires brought unprecedented smoke and soot contamination to many homes in Pacific Palisades and Altadena that escaped direct flame damage. While the structures remained intact, toxic residues; including potential carcinogenic agents, can linger in HVAC systems, porous materials, surfaces, and even wall cavities, often invisible to the naked eye. Many homeowners in your area received insurance settlements based on limited or inadequate Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) testing. Carrier-contracted remediation was frequently under-scoped, with post-remediation clearance testing either skipped or insufficient. As a result, families were sometimes cut off from Additional Living Expenses (ALE) and encouraged to return to homes that may still pose health risks.

Our firm, a licensed and bonded Public Adjusting company specializing in complex wildfire claims, has conducted detailed reviews of similar properties in Pacific Palisades and Altadena. Our findings align with broader concerns documented in the region: many initial remediations fell short of restoring properties to their pre-loss condition as required under California insurance law.
                              
We offer a straightforward, no-risk solution:  We will diligently advocate on your behalf by requesting your insurance carrier not only re-open your claim; but also fund a comprehensive CIH inspection and testing as part of their obligation to properly investigate your claim.
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This involves independent, targeted sampling for, but not limited to: soot, char, ash, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), heavy metals, and other harmful byproducts that standard inspections frequently overlook.


  • If the testing confirms your home is clear — You owe nothing. You receive documented peace of mind that your home meets rigorous safety standards.
  • If the testing reveals ongoing contamination — We will continue representing you in securing a proper supplemental claim, including full remediation, repairs, and any applicable ALE to return your home to its pre-loss condition.

Provided you have not signed a full Release of Claim, California insurance law generally allows supplemental claims for additional discovered damage. Carriers have a duty under the Fair Claims Settlement Practices Regulations (including Insurance Code § 790.03(h) and related provisions) to conduct thorough investigations and effectuate prompt, fair settlements where liability is reasonably clear.

Recent California Department of Insurance guidance (Bulletin 2025-7) reinforces that insurers should not require homeowners to bear substantial costs for warranted professional testing — and that smoke damage causing physical alteration or contamination is covered.
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Our firm levels the playing field by bringing independent expertise, detailed documentation, and proven negotiation experience — all aligned solely with your interests. We are compensated only from any additional recovery we help obtain, creating perfect alignment with your goal of a safe, fully restored home.
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Your family’s long-term health and the true habitability of your property deserve more than an initial, potentially incomplete adjustment. Many of your neighbors have already benefited from this approach, uncovering issues that required far more thorough remediation than originally approved.
Can I get Paid from a Claim that already settled?
The Short Answer is:  Yes!   You are entitled to receive a full & fair settlement.  If no limits or exclusions apply, this means enough money to repair your damages.  If you have been underpaid by an Insurance Company and have not signed a Release or gone through an Appraisal Proceeding, you may be eligible to re-open the claim and file a Supplement. 
Re-Claim what is Rightfully Yours:  A Safe & Fully Restored Home!
You deserve more than a quick settlement and a lingering question mark over your family’s health. The January 2025 Palisades and Eaton wildfires left thousands of homes in Pacific Palisades and Altadena with hidden smoke and soot contamination that standard insurance inspections simply missed. Many families accepted initial payments based on limited testing, incomplete remediation, and pressure to move back in — only to wonder whether invisible toxins in their HVAC systems, walls, and belongings are still compromising their long-term safety.

At Total Claims International, we believe no homeowner should have to live with that uncertainty. Beyond the financial recovery, the greatest gift we deliver is genuine peace of mind. Knowing your home has been professionally re-tested, thoroughly remediated if needed, and truly restored to pre-loss condition allows your family to sleep soundly at night without the constant worry of lingering carcinogenic residues or future health concerns. This isn’t just about fixing a claim — it’s about protecting what matters most: your family’s long-term wellness and the true habitability and value of your home for years to come.
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That is why we offer a no-risk, no-upfront-cost opportunity to reopen your claim and get the thorough, independent evaluation your home truly needs. Our licensed and bonded public adjusters specialize in complex wildfire smoke claims. We have successfully helped numerous neighbors in your exact situation secure supplemental payments for comprehensive Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) testing, proper remediation, repairs, and Additional Living Expenses (ALE) when warranted.

Here’s Why This is a Clear Win-Win for You and Your Family:
  • Zero financial risk. We only get paid if we recover additional money for you. If new testing shows your home is already safe to the standards required under California law, you owe us nothing — and you walk away with professional documentation and genuine peace of mind.
  • Full transparency and independent science. We arrange truly independent CIH inspection and targeted sampling for soot, char, VOCs, heavy metals, and other harmful residues that carrier-hired teams often overlook. No more guessing.
  • Maximum recovery under California law. As long as you have not signed a full Release or completed an Appraisal, you remain entitled to a supplemental claim. Insurance carriers have a legal duty to investigate thoroughly and pay what is owed for covered smoke damage. We hold them accountable.
  • Your family’s health and home’s habitability come first. Whether the new testing confirms the need for deeper remediation or simply verifies that everything is now safe, you end up with the outcome you were always entitled to: a home restored to its pre-loss condition and confidence that your loved ones are not breathing in lingering wildfire toxins.

​Hiring a public adjuster is not giving up control — it is taking control back. Insurance companies are experts at minimizing payouts. We are experts at making sure policyholders receive everything their policy promises. Our only incentive is your successful outcome because our compensation comes solely from the additional recovery we obtain.

Many of your neighbors have already taken this step and discovered that their initial settlements fell far short of what was needed. They are now breathing easier — literally and figuratively — with properly remediated homes and restored peace of mind.
 
Your next step is simple. Contact Total Claims International today for a free, no-obligation review of your closed or settled wildfire claim. We will tell you honestly whether there is a strong basis to reopen it and pursue the full, fair settlement you deserve.
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Don’t settle for “good enough” when it comes to your family’s safety and your largest investment. Let us fight for the complete solution your home and health require.
Request a Free Wildfire/Smoke Claim Consultation

Fire, Smoke & Soot Damages

Unmatched Experience in Complex Fire Losses
Total Claims International brings a unmatched experience in the preparation, processing & handling of complex Fire Losses.  The importance of a comprehensive and properly documented claim cannot be overstated.  Thorough Inspections of the property from the perspective of an expert, detailed Photographs documenting the damages, an accurate Estimate prepared with extensive construction knowledge, a robust Contents Inventory documenting the loss to your Personal Property, an intimate understanding of the Insurance Policy and the complex deadlines and requirements within; these are just a few of the attributes needed to compile and present a successful claim.  The Team at Total Claims International bring over 100 years of combined Fire Claim Experience, having handled and successfully settled thousands of Fire Losses, collecting Millions for our Clients.

A Fire Loss at your Home, Property or Business can be a devastating and overwhelming experience. Even more so if associated with a Catastrophe or Disaster.  If you have lost your home or property to Fire, the claims process can be a daunting experience at a time when your are burdened with emotion and focused on friends and family or keeping your operation afloat.  Meeting the requirements and contractual obligations of your policy, presenting a comprehensive claim, meeting with Insurance Company's Representatives, responding to Carrier Communications and Negotiating with the Insurance Company to ensure a Fair Settlement Offer, is a lot to handle in such a difficult time. 

Beyond the direct impacts of Heat and Fire damage; many properties sustain significant indirect damages associated with Smoke, Soot and Fire Fighting Measures such as Water and Retardant.  The Carcinogenic nature of these substances can not only damage your home or business, but can damage your health!   The Insurance Company will look for the most cost effective means of restoration; this will not do!  It is imperative that the remediation and restoration of your home or property be conducted properly and comprehensively.  We work with Industry Leading Environmental Hygienists to ensure that the scope of work and restoration presented in your claim meets the highest standards possible. 

It's important to remember, the Insurance Company's Adjuster works for and represents the Insurance Company, and is paid by the Insurance Company...  
Why go it alone? Let the Expert Public Adjusters at Total Claims International assist you in your time of need.  We take the stress and worries of dealing with your Insurance Company off of your shoulders; and handle all of the intricacies of filing and handling your Insurance Claim.

Total Claims International represents you; fighting for your interests and advocating on your behalf.  Have Questions?  Call us or fill out a Contact Form and we will have one of our experts contact you.  We will provide a full loss analysis, policy review and claims consultation at no cost or obligation to you. If you choose Total Claims International to represent you in the claims process, we will:
- Provide Expert Review of your Insurance Policy⁣
- Conduct an Expert Inspection of your Property
- Photograph and Document the Loss in Detail

- Prepare and Present an Expert Xactimate® Estimate
- Represent your Interests in the Claims Process
- Meet with the Insurance Carrier's Adjuster/Reps
- Challenge an Inaccurate Carrier Assessment⁣
- Advocate for your Interests in the Claims Process
- Negotiate a Fair and Just Settlement of your Claim⁣
Police Report

File a Police/Fire Report

For big fire losses it's imperative you contact the authorities. File a report and beware of risks after the fire is out. Don't throw or clean anything out until your Public Adjuster arrives. 
Contact Total Claims

Contact Total Claims Int.

Hire a Public Adjuster. Your Insurance Company will always UNDERPAY the cost of repairs to your home. TCI Public Adjusters will ensure your receive MAXIMUM Indemnification!
Peace of Mind

Peace of Mind

We deal with the Insurance Company so you don't have to. We will file the claim, handle all inspections, meetings with the Insurance Co, photographs, calls, letters, emails, negotiations, and more. We Advocate for you!

Why you should choose TCI?

Experiencing a Fire or Smoke/Soot Loss in your home or property can not only be devastating, but overwhelming.  Attempting to handle your claim without professional help may lead to costly mistakes, underpayment, claim delays, and even claim denials.⁣  At Total Claims International, we bring a combined 100 years of Insurance Claims knowledge to bat for you...
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TCI’s Public Adjusters will provide you with peace of mind, ensuring the quickest claim process and the largest settlement possible.  We will file the claim for you, we will bring our Experts to assess your damages, prepare an Estimate using Industry Leading Estimating Software, and Negotiate with the Insurance Company until you receive the full compensation you are entitled to.  Insurance Companies will send out their own Insurance Adjusters to represent them and their interests; why should you be on your own in such a difficult time?  Let our skilled and experienced Public Adjusters advocate on your behalf.
Request a Free Wildfire/Smoke Claim Consultation
Contact Us

Ocala
​Florida

603 E Fort King Street
Suite 53
​Ocala, FL 34471

305-381-5009
Los Angeles
​California

16133 Ventura Blvd.
7th Floor
Encino, CA 91436

424-324-0750
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San Juan
​Puerto Rico

Urbanización Roosevelt
454 Calle Ingeniero Amadeo
San Juan, PR 00918
888-223-9093
Troy
​Michigan

​755 W Big Beaver Rd.
Suite 2020

Troy, Michigan 48084
888-223-9093

Reach Us Toll Free at 888-223-9093

Fax:  1-888-231-3281
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FREE POLICY REVIEW & CLAIM CONSULTATION
Copyright © 2018-2026 Total Claims International, LLC -  Juan A. Mendez, Primary Public Adjuster License No. A176305 - ​Privacy Policy
  • Home
  • Claim Types
    • Cast-Iron
    • Water Damage / Plumbing Claims
    • Fire & Smoke Claims
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    • Wind Damage / Roof Leak Claims
    • Hail Claims
    • Lightning Claims
    • Earthquake Claims
    • Theft
    • Sinkholes
    • Business Interruption
  • Appraisal Services
  • Loss Consulting Services
  • Drone Services
  • Free Consultation
  • About TCI
  • Contact
  • Tracking the Tropics
    • National Hurricane Center
    • Mike's Weather Page